Should I be tested

[richard32]

I had night sweats for a few days a little over one week ago.  I started reading the internet and HIV was a symptom.  I went to my Doctor and he did some general blood work and everything came back normal, he did not give me an HIV test as he did not feel a need.  

My background, I have been married for five years and have a son.  My last sexual intercourse was around five years ago, right before I got married.  It was unprotected sex with a girl I did not know.  She was white, non prostitute, non stripper, around the age of 21 or 22.  I went back to my doctor as I was worried and as I stated my Doctor does not feel a need to test, but I just need another opinion as I am worried sick.  No other symptoms and my wife and son are both healthy.  Thank you in advance

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Your concerns are unrealistic. the symptoms you mention do not suggest HIV.  If this bothers yo so much, rather than wondering if I am right or not, I suggest you just go and get a single blood test.  I predict it will be negative.  Please, no further questions. There will be no more answers.  EWH

[richard32]

As you can obviously tell I am a bit paranoid.  I had night sweats again last night, though I did have pretty bad indigestion in the evening. My question is,  after five years, realistically would I be seeing or have seen other signs or symptoms.  Like I stated, my blood work(which was basic) and my chest x-ray all came back normal.  Thanks again in advance.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

As I already said, I do agree with your doctors.  The chances are very, very low.  EWH

[richard32]

Thank you so much for the quick response.  So basically you agree with my Doctors assesment, no need to get an HIV test.  I guess my issue was that I was HIV positive and he was pretty adament that I should not be concerned.  So you agree that chances are slim?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I agree entirely with your doctor.  At the same time, getting an HIV test is never a bad idea.  Everyone should have an HIV test at some point but in your case I am confident that your risk are very, very low.  The odds of a caucasian woman in the U.S.  having HIV are no greater than 1 in 1000 and the odds of getting HIV if your partner was infected is only 1 infection per 1000 exposures.  

As for symptoms, symptoms area notoriously unreliable indicator of HIV infection.  Night sweats fall into this category.  The can be caused by just about any viral infection, otehr inflammatory processes and even reflux (heartburn).  You really have no medical reason for getting tested.

Hope this helps.  EWH